The 19-year-old freshman from Woodville, Va., was majoring in animal and poultry sciences. Throughout high school, she worked at the Rose Hill veterinary practice in Washington, Va.

"Animals loved her, as people did," said Camilla Brown, a clinic secretary

Hilscher lived in the Virginia Tech dorm room next to another victim, Ryan Clark.

Senior Jessica Gould met Hilscher, an avid horse rider, at the university's Equestrian Club. Gould, who is also pursuing a veterinary degree, said she acted as Hilscher's mentor, offering guidance and assistance when needed.

"She loved to ride," Gould said. "She loved it here."

Nick Kocz, her English composition teacher, said, "My class began to gel this semester largely because of her."

She had returned from an equestrian competition, and Kocz asked Hilscher to let the class interview her to write a profile. Two dozen people came together over the assignment, Kocz says.

"She was so open, so good," he said. "She made it real for people." He said her own writing stood out: "There was a purity in her voice."

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